Few things feel more discouraging than filing a warranty claim and being told, “That problem isn’t covered — it’s pre-existing.” You’ve already dealt with the hassle of something breaking down, and now you’re left wondering what your warranty is actually good for. It’s no surprise that pre-existing conditions are one of the most confusing (and frustrating) parts of home warranty coverage.
Here’s the truth: most home warranties won’t cover issues that started before your plan began. But that’s not the whole story. Some providers make exceptions for hidden or undetectable problems, and certain plans even offer options that reduce exclusions.
Understanding these nuances can save you from headaches, unexpected bills, and wasted time. It also helps you make a smarter decision about the coverage that truly protects your home, instead of leaving you with costly surprises.
When it comes to home warranties, the term pre-existing condition simply means a problem that began before your coverage went into effect. For example, if your dishwasher already had draining issues or your HVAC system was leaking refrigerant before your plan started, those repairs typically fall outside of warranty coverage.
That might sound limiting at first, but here’s the good news: home warranties are designed to step in once your contract is active, covering new breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. This means if that same dishwasher pump fails six months after you enroll, or your electrical panel suddenly stops working, your warranty is there to help with the cost.
By drawing a clear line between old problems and new ones, warranty coverage gives homeowners confidence that future surprises won’t derail their budget.
Not all “pre-existing” situations are treated the same. While most warranties exclude obvious or known issues, some providers, including ARW Home, recognize that hidden problems can surface unexpectedly and offer coverage in certain cases. This flexibility can make a big difference, especially for homeowners with older homes or recently purchased properties.
Undetectable problems: If the issue couldn’t reasonably be discovered before coverage began, some plans will step in. For example, an electrical fault hidden behind a wall or a small crack in a water heater that only turns into a leak months later. These are the kinds of problems you couldn’t have predicted, and some providers treat them differently than known defects.
Inspection-based coverage: If a home system or appliance passed inspection and was considered in good working order when your contract started, failures that occur later are often eligible for coverage. This protects homeowners who did their due diligence during a home purchase but still encounter unexpected breakdowns soon after moving in.
Optional add-ons: Certain plans allow you to expand protection to include a wider range of scenarios. This can be especially valuable for homes with aging systems or appliances where the risk of pre-existing issues is higher. While it may cost a little extra, it provides peace of mind that more of your home is covered.
The takeaway: don’t assume all pre-existing conditions are automatically excluded. Ask your provider how they define the term and whether they offer exceptions or add-ons that could give you broader protection.
Home repairs are costly and when claims are denied for being “pre-existing,” homeowners are left paying the full amount. According to HomeAdvisor, replacing a central AC unit can cost over $5,000, while an electrical panel swap averages $1,000–$3,500.
By knowing how your plan handles pre-existing conditions, you can:
Not all home warranty plans handle pre-existing conditions the same way, so it’s worth doing a little homework before committing. A careful review upfront can save you from disappointment and denied claims later. Here are key steps to take:
At the end of the day, transparency is key. You should feel confident that your warranty provider is giving you straightforward information, so you know exactly how your coverage will work when you need it most.
Even if your plan excludes pre-existing problems, you can take steps to protect yourself:
These practices give you the best chance of getting claims approved and avoiding surprise expenses.
It refers to any system or appliance issue that existed before your warranty went into effect.
Through inspection reports, service history, or clear evidence of ongoing issues prior to coverage.
Yes. Some plans cover undetectable conditions that couldn’t reasonably be found before your contract started.
You’ll be responsible for the full repair cost, another reason why choosing the right plan upfront matters.
Pre-existing conditions are one of the trickiest parts of any home warranty, but they don’t have to catch you off guard. By asking the right questions and choosing a provider that’s clear about what is and isn’t covered, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
ARW Home stands out by offering coverage options that account for undetectable issues, giving homeowners more peace of mind than many providers.
Ready to see how ARW Home can protect your systems and appliances? Explore ARW Home warranty plans or talk with a representative today to find coverage that works for you.